Course Description
This course is an introduction to critical thinking and critical writing. The students have the opportunity to learn techniques of practical reasoning and argumentation, with emphasis on the application of these techniques in the writing of a sequence of argumentative essays. Topics include: critical reading, argument analysis, recognizing propaganda and stereotypes, clarifying ambiguity, meaning and definition, evaluating evidence, logical correctness vs factual correctness, and common mistakes in reasoning (formal and informal fallacies). The class emphasizes critical writing strategies. Sample arguments from philosophy and from culturally diverse sources in other disciplines are analyzed.
Units: 3
Credit - Degree Applicable Transferable to both UC and CSU
Course Details
- Grade Options: Letter Grade
- In-Class Lecture Hours: 48 鈥� 54
- In-Class Lab Hours: 0
Requisites and Advisories
- Prerequisites: ENGL 001A
- Co-Requisites: None
- Advisory: None
Transfer Details
- CSU/UC:
Transferable to both UC and CSU - WVC GE: Area A-1B: Oral Communication & Critical Thinking
- CSU GE: Area A3 - Critical Thinking
- UC/IGETC GE: Area 1B - Critical Thinking/English Composition